I can't and don't speak for everyone else here... but for me... I have pushed a lot of friends away because I always felt THEY weren't good enough for ME! They weren't smart enough, didn't follow my directions enough, made bad chices in their lives and so on and so on... I am/hopefully was VERY judgemental of people... and mostly of myself. I never cut myself a break so why shuold I cut others a break? I could always find fault with them and pushed them away.
I am learning that it is all part of this illness. Inside I am a good person, outside I am/was a complete %#@&#!. I have a couple of really good friends. And a lot of acquaintences. My goal in the next two years is to make amends to those I've hurt and make more closer friends.
Have you tried church? I don't know what it is about this illness that gives people a drawing towards God and church but it seems to all the time. I know for myself it is the direction I'm headed and I've met a couple nice people there. But all in all, WE (as people affected by this illnes) need to reach out more. If you are like me and have pushed people away, it is going to take more to reach inside of you and reach out to people. You're doing good by starting here. Just my two cents worth...